WU counseling services director gains new role with state board

“I wanted to serve on the board because I have a deep appreciation of the profession and the people it serves,” says Thomson, who was recently appointed by Gov. John Kitzhaber for a three-year term. “I saw this as an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.”

The eight-member citizen board was created in 1989 as part of a licensing law for professional counselors and marriage and family therapists. The law addresses education and training standards and a mechanism for the disclosure of relevant information by licensees.

As a board member, Thomson says he’ll strive to protect consumers while influencing and maintaining a transparent credentialing and discipline process for licensees, interns and license applicants.